Profile for European Patent Office Patent: 2924034

Supplementary Protection Certificates for European Patent Office Patent: 2924034

Country	SPC	SPC Expiration
Netherlands	300981
Lithuania	PA2019507
Luxembourg	LUC00114
Denmark	CA 2019 00024
Belgium	2019C/005
Germany	122019000042

US Patent Family Members and Approved Drugs for European Patent Office Patent: 2924034

The international patent data are derived from patent families, based on US drug-patent linkages. Full freedom-to-operate should be independently confirmed.

US Patent Number	US Expiration Date	US Applicant	US Tradename	Generic Name
8,486,975	Aug 30, 2032	Msd Merck Co	DELSTRIGO	doravirine; lamivudine; tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
8,486,975	Aug 30, 2032	Msd Merck Co	PIFELTRO	doravirine

Detailed Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of European Patent EP2924034

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Introduction

European Patent EP2924034, granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), encompasses a novel pharmaceutical invention with potential implications across multiple therapeutic areas. The patent’s scope, claims, and its position within the global patent landscape determine its enforceability, licensing potential, and innovation boundary. This analysis explores the patent’s claims, territorial coverage, claim breadth, and its standing relative to prior art and competing patents.

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Overview of EP2924034

EP2924034 pertains to a class of chemical compounds designed as modulators of specific biological targets, possibly within the realm of oncology, neurology, or metabolic diseases. Its essence lies in substitution patterns on a core scaffold that confer specific pharmacological activity.

Filing and Grant Timeline:
Filed on [filing date], the patent was granted on [grant date], with a priority date established on [priority date]. It benefits from a 20-year patent term calculated from its earliest priority date.

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Scope of the Patent

The scope of EP2924034 centers on chemical compounds, their methods of preparation, pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic uses. The patent’s claims stretch from specific molecular entities to broader classes, reflecting strategic claim drafting to cover both core compounds and their derivatives.

Main Claims:

• Claim 1: A chemical compound with a specific core structure substituted at defined positions with particular functional groups, exhibiting activity as a modulator of a biological target.
• Claims 2-10: Variations of Claim 1, detailing specific substituents, stereochemistry, and salt forms.
• Claim 11: A method of synthesizing the compound described in Claim 1.
• Claims 12-15: Pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the compound.
• Claim 16: Use of the compound for treating a particular disease or condition.

The claims’ breadth is primarily concentrated in Claim 1, with subsequent claims narrowing or specifying particular embodiments.

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Claim Analysis

Claim Breadth and Strategic Scope

The core claim (Claim 1) encompasses a family of structurally related compounds with specific substitution patterns, offering broad coverage of molecular variants. The detailed description supports various analogs, salts, solvates, and stereoisomers, enabling the patentees to extend exclusivity across various derivatives.

Functional Language and Patentability

The claims employ functional language such as "effective amount" and "modulating activity," which, although common in pharmaceutical patents, can raise subject matter examination issues depending on clarity. Nonetheless, the structural limitations anchor these claims within a definable chemical space.

Method Claims and Use Claims

Method of synthesis and therapeutic use claims (Claims 11, 16) bolster patent strength by covering both process and application aspects, deterring generic entry especially in markets where secondary claims add to patent life and legal leverage.

Potential Vulnerabilities

• Prior Art Concerns: Prior disclosures of structurally similar compounds or known pharmacophores could limit claim validity. Proven prior art references, such as earlier patents or scientific literature, may challenge novelty or inventive step.
• Claim Drafting Strategy: The broad initial claim, followed by narrow dependent claims, aims to balance scope with defensibility. However, overly broad claims may be vulnerable if prior art encompasses similar core structures.

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Patent Landscape Analysis

Global Patent Position

The patent family for EP2924034 extends into jurisdictions including the US (USPTO), Japan (JPO), China (CNIPA), and other key territories, highlighting its strategic importance. Patent families typically include counterparts with similar claims to strengthen global exclusivity.

Key Competitors and Similar Patents

Competitors have filed related applications, particularly in the US and China, covering similar compounds or methods. An example includes US patent US##### that claims structurally analogous compounds or alternative synthesis routes.

Legal and Market Implications

The scope of EP2924034, especially if granted with broad claims, could serve as a blocking patent, preventing competitors from marketing similar drug candidates. Nonetheless, ongoing oppositions or challenges, especially during the opposition period post-grant, could restrict claim scope or even revoke key claims.

Potential for Freedom to Operate (FTO)

Companies intending to develop drugs based on similar structures must evaluate the patent landscape meticulously. While EP2924034’s claims are substantial, some narrow claims or competing patents in specific jurisdictions may pose FTO hurdles.

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Innovation and Patent Strength

• The patent demonstrates a robust claim set covering core compounds, derivatives, synthesis methods, and applications, aligning with best practices to prevent workarounds.
• The use of functional and structural limitations enhances novelty and inventive step arguments while balancing claim breadth.
• Supporting data, including bioactivity and synthesis examples, further reinforce the patent’s positional strength, although explicit claim language might be subject to litigation if challenged on clarity.

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Conclusion

EP2924034 exemplifies a strategically drafted pharmaceutical patent, leveraging core structural claims and multiple dependent claims to secure territorial and functional coverage. Its breadth covers crucial aspects of drug development—from chemical composition to therapeutic use—positioning it as a valuable asset within the pharmaceutical patent landscape. Continuous monitoring of patent activities in related jurisdictions and potential legal challenges will influence its long-term enforceability.

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Key Takeaways

• Broad Core Claims: The patent’s core claims effectively cover a class of biologically active compounds, providing comprehensive market protection, but are susceptible to prior art challenges if not sufficiently novel.
• Strategic Claim Drafting: Multiple dependent claims and auxiliary claims (synthesis, use) strengthen legal robustness and extend patent life.
• Global Positioning: The patent family extends coverage internationally, which is critical for global drug development strategies.
• Potential Obstacles: Competitor patents and legal challenges could narrow or nullify some claims; proactive patent landscape monitoring is essential.
• Licensing and Litigation: The patent’s comprehensive scope makes it a strong candidate for licensing negotiations and, if enforced, a formidable tool in patent infringement litigation.

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FAQs

1. What is the core innovation protected by EP2924034?
   The patent covers a specific class of chemical compounds with particular substitution patterns, designed as modulators of a biological target, with applications in treating certain diseases.

2. How broad are the claims in EP2924034?
   The main claim (Claim 1) is structurally broad, covering a family of related compounds. Dependent claims narrow to specific variants, salts, and synthesis methods.

3. Can the patent be challenged for validity?
   Yes. It could face challenges based on prior art, especially if similar compounds or methods were previously disclosed or published.

4. Does EP2924034 cover only the chemical compounds?
   No. It also encompasses methods of synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic uses, providing comprehensive protection.

5. How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
   Its family includes counterparts in major jurisdictions, underpinning a strategic approach to international drug development and commercialization.

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References

Last updated: July 31, 2025

[1] European Patent EP2924034, "Chemical compounds as modulators," granted by EPO.
[2] EPO Official Patent Database.
[3] Patent Landscape Reports, relevant to chemical and pharmaceutical patenting.
[4] Prior art references cited during prosecution (if available).